A bounty of educational, fun and free programs for National Poetry Month, Climate Action Month and Financial Capability Month. Get a peek at what's happening this month at SFPL.
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![Pencil sketch of Dr. Angelou with More Than a Month logo Pencil sketch of Dr. Angelou with More Than a Month logo](http://www.libraryaware.com/941/Files/AnonymousDisplay/bda06bf5-acbc-4fc2-9abb-93def78f6931) |
April 2023 | |
Shake Off Those Atmospheric Rivers |
Climate Action Month is a time for education and action. SFPL has programs that help us nurture, protect, sustain and enjoy the natural world. Look forward to events that feature conservation, gardening, plant swaps and poetry. We also have book clubs and special walking tours of our beautiful city. |
Discover programs and recommended reading
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National Financial Capability Month
| Turn your tomorrow into today. Learn basics on saving, financial planning and cash flow management, to investing, retirement planning, property tax and insurance sublimits, among many other important topics. Find out more. |
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Celebrate Children and Books at Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros
Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros is back, celebrating 24 years of children, books and literacy. Laugh with Big Top Bubbles, be inspired by the dance moves of Danza Azteca Xitlalli-Xolotl, listen to the sounds of DJ Pakípayá and La Familia Peña-Govea and take home free books and activities provided by the Library and our community partners. We hope to see you there for an afternoon filled with joy for the entire family. Find out more details on Día San Francisco.
Saturday, April 30, 12 p.m., Parque Niños Unidos, 3090 23rd St. (at Folsom)
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| Meet Gregory Hom – The New Stegner Environmental Center Librarian
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Gregory Hom is the new program manager at the Stegner Environmental Center on the 5th Floor of the Main Library. An Eagle Scout, Hom loves spending time outdoors, and plans to finally see the Lost Coast this summer. When thinking about environmentalist programs and materials for the Center, he’s interested in both the personal ways we can act on making less waste or saving water, but also in the public policies that shape our choices around conservation and climate change.
Hom has done writing with an intersectional analysis on state violence and human rights. He brings that analysis to issues of climate and the natural world, and also to the Stegner Center’s new focus on Indigenous land rights and activism. With his appointment, the Library will collaborate with the American Indian Cultural District to develop a collection and series of programs that reflect traditional Native environmental knowledge, conservation practices and stewardship of ancestral lands.
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Celebrate Earth Day at Ingleside Branch for seed planting, button making, face painting and a farm animal petting zoo. And drop by the Visitacion Valley Branch later this month, featuring the Chispa roving art cart, a Hot Siva class (Polynesian dance) by Neo Veavea, a hands-on activity with light artist Grant Patterson, musical performances, community information tables and free books.
Ingleside Branch April 22, 1–4:30 p.m.
Visitacion Valley Branch April 29, 1–5 p.m.
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| ![Two headshots and book cover Two headshots and book cover](http://www.libraryaware.com/941/Files/AnonymousDisplay/201a9aef-79dc-4358-a615-e8809ef65521) | Acclaimed Authors Bring Their Latest to SFPL
New York Times-bestselling author Cory Doctorow speaks about his latest novel, Red Team Blues, in conversation with science fiction author Annalee Newitz. Doctorow’s latest is a fast-paced thriller about cryptocurrency shenanigans that will awaken you to how the world really works. Doctorow is an author, activist and journalist with a slew of books to his name, most recently science fiction novels Radicalized and Walkaway and Chokepoint Capitalism with co-author Rebecca Giblin, a nonfiction book about monopoly and creative labor markets.
Also in April, San Francisco author Kathryn Ma discusses her new book, The Chinese Groove, in conversation with Julie Flynn Siler, the author of The White Devil’s Daughters: The Women Who Fought Slavery in San Francisco’s Chinatown at the Main Library. The Chinese Groove is a buoyant, good-hearted and sharply written novel about a blithely optimistic immigrant with big dreams, dire prospects and a fractured extended family in need of his help—even if they don’t know it yet.
Over at Noe Valley Branch, author Leslie Kirk Campbell reads from her award-winning short story collection, The Man with Eight Pairs of Legs. Campbell is a Noe Valley author who teaches at Ripe Fruit Writing, a creative writing program she founded in Noe Valley.
Jennifer S. Cheng and Diana Khoi Nguyen in Conversation, Wildness: Parenthood and Writing – April 14, 7 p.m., Medicine for Nightmares Bookstore
Yumi Komatsudaira, Japanese Superfoods – April 15, 2 p.m., Main Library, Learning Center, 5th Floor
Kathryn Ma, The Chinese Groove – April 16, 3 p.m., Main Library, Koret Auditorium, Lower Level
Leslie Kirk Campbell, The Man with Eight Pairs of Legs – April 26, 6:30 p.m., Noe Valley Branch
Cory Doctorow, Red Team Blues – April 30, 2 p.m., Main Library, Koret Auditorium, Lower Level
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![Two headshots and book cover Two headshots and book cover](http://www.libraryaware.com/941/Files/AnonymousDisplay/238f9e58-0f20-4116-9a41-62c7f3bdc249) | Celebrate National Poetry Month
In honor of National Poetry Month, we have hands-on art and poetry workshops, open mics, a night of Filipino/a/x poets, an afternoon reading curated by San Francisco’s Poet Laureate Tongo Eisen-Martin, along with many other poetry events, book displays and poetry reading lists.
Pollen – Poems for Planet Earth with Local Author E.K. Keith – Every Wednesday in April, 6 p.m., Portola Branch
Kim Shuck’s Poem Jam Celebrates This Wandering State – April 13, 6 p.m., Main Library, Latino Hispanic Community Room, Lower Level
Visual Poetry with Poet Donté Clark and Artist Amy Bergstein – April 15, 2 p.m., Ingleside Branch; April 22, 2 p.m., Excelsior Branch; April 30, 1 p.m., North Beach Branch
Presidio Poetry Series: Judith Ayn Bernhard and Byron Spooner – April 15, 3 p.m., Presidio Branch
Lee Herrick and Poets in the Basement – April 16, 1 p.m., Main Library, Latino Hispanic Community Room, Lower Level
Writing Workshop with Nadia Elbgal, 2022 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate – April 17, 4:30 p.m., Glen Park Branch
Chen Chen in Conversation with Sam Herschel Wein – April 23, 2 p.m., Virtual Library
Filipino/a/x Futurisms & Tenuous Archaeologies – April 27, 6 p.m., Virtual Library
The West Revisits Harlem – April 30, 4 p.m., Main Library, Latino Hispanic Community Room, Lower Level
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See all poetry programs
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In-Person and Virtual Programs
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![Author headshot and book cover Author headshot and book cover](http://www.libraryaware.com/941/Files/AnonymousDisplay/87a7b755-c7e3-47f9-a034-8fdb06ef04b4) |
Climate Action Month | Throughout April | Various Locations |
Adult Programs
How I Built My Refillery Business with Karen Chaw – April 11, 12 p.m., Virtual Library. From why and how it was started, learn what it means for The Daisy Refillery to be a Green business.
Water Issues in Central America – April 12, 1-2:15 p.m., Virtual Library. A conversation on water issues in contemporary Central America with Professor Jorge Cuéllar; UC Berkeley librarian, Dr. Liladhar R. Pendse and SFPL librarian Xima Avalos.
Eco-Friendly Pest Management and Gardening Practices – April 12, 6:30 p.m., Glen Park Branch Nature Books with the Golden Gate National Park Conservancy: Forest Health and Resilience in Marin – April 14, 12 p.m., Virtual Library
Vox Reporter Benji Jones – April 18, 5 p.m., Virtual Library. Jones speaks about climate change and the ongoing loss of biodiversity.
Earth Day with Annie Sprinkle, Beth Stephens & E.A.R.T.H. Lab SF – April 22, 2 p.m., Bernal Heights Branch. Get off your computer and follow along with a gang of colorful, fun tour guides in this site-specific exploration, embodied experience and performative walk around Holly Park.
Sogorea Te’ Land Trust, Indigenous and Woman-led – April 27, 2 p.m., Excelsior Branch and Virtual Library. Learn about the culture, history and current practices of the Lisjan (Ohlone) people.
350 San Francisco - SF’s Climate Action Plan – April 30, 3 p.m., Eureka Valley Branch. A discussion of local climate issues.
Family Programs
Tour Presidio Nursery – April 12, 10 a.m. This event will take place at Presidio Nursery located in the Presidio at 1249 Appleton St. We encourage participants to carpool, take public transit or use an electric bike share. Reservations required: call Presidio Branch (415) 355-2880 or online.
Upcycled T-Shirt Tote Bags – April 22, 2 p.m., Marina Branch. Bring new life to a well-loved t-shirt by learning how to turn that t-shirt into a tote bag in 5 simple steps.
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See all nature and environment programs
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![Author headshot and book cover Author headshot and book cover](http://www.libraryaware.com/941/Files/AnonymousDisplay/e026d1fe-3e41-44ba-8366-0ca9e7062a43) |
Big SF Play Date Is Back! | Throughout April | Various Locations |
Big San Francisco Play Date provides families with young children the opportunity to engage in accessible activities that promote growth and exploration in a safe and welcoming environment. Geared for children aged 0–5, we welcome caregivers and older siblings to play along with them. Big Play Date encourages side-by-side play, choice, turn-taking and making new friends while providing their grown-ups an opportunity to learn about the importance of play.
April 18, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Richmond Branch
April 29, 3–4 p.m., Park Branch
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Get to Know the Original Caretakers of This Land
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Throughout April | Various Locations
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Listen to stories and a short history of Muir Woods as a National Monument. Find out about Coast Redwoods and fire practices of the Coast Miwok with Ranger Jackson Lam, a member of the Community Programs & Outreach team.
Discover the culture, history and current practices of the Lisjan (Ohlone) people with the Sogorea Te’ Land Trust. Sogorea Te’ Land Trust is an urban Indigenous women-led land trust based in the San Francisco Bay Area that facilitates the return of Indigenous land to In digenous people. Listen and learn about topics ranging from the importance and meaning of the land acknowledgment to how communities can contribute to the organization.
Muir Woods – April 18, 4 p.m., Visitacion Valley Branch
Sogorea Te’ Land Trust, Indigenous and Woman-led – April 27, 4 p.m., Excelsior Branch and Virtual Library. Registration required for Zoom attendance. In-person attendance does not require registration; seats available first-come, first-served.
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April 30, 12 p.m. | Main Library, Latino-Hispanic Meeting Room, Lower Level |
State Senator (Hawai’i) Mike Gabbard, Vice President Kamala Harris, Congressman Andy Kim and Vice Mayor Juslyn Manalo are among the many individuals from the Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) community who rose through the ranks into positions of political power. The 10th anniversary of the APIA Biography Project launches AANHPI Heritage Month at the Main Library with a kickoff event by honoring past and present APIA politicians. Through illustrated displays, games, and craft activities, learn about the voting process and accomplishments of distinguished APIAs serving in office. Throughout May, access videos and activities online at apiabiography.sfsu.edu. View “Wall of Fame” exhibits at the Children’s Center and the Chinese Center and participate in a scavenger hunt. The first 50 children ages 12 and under get a free goody bag!
See related online events throughout May through San Francisco State Univeresity's APIA Biography Project.
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On the Same Page: March/April Read-Alikes |
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If you liked Dry by Neal and Jarrod Shusterman, we recommend these titles which feature similar themes as characters struggle to survive in a world besieged by climate change. See our full booklist.
And be sure to come to our book club discussion of Dry! On the Same Page Book Club – April 24, 7 p.m., Virtual Library
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Other Recommended Reads: Southwest Asian/North African (SWANA) Reads
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eResources Feature |
Tax Information You Need
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Did you know the Nolo Legal Information Reference Center has information to help you with your taxes? Nolo (formerly Nolo Press) covers all kinds of legal situations from bankruptcy to landlord-tenant relationships to wills, trusts and estates and now many of their books are available online through the Nolo Legal Information Reference Center! Navigate to the Nolo Legal Information Reference Center from our Articles and Databases page to access their resources with your library card.
The landing page of the Nolo Legal Information Reference Center shows many of the most popular topics and titles. Tax information can be found under “Money & Financial Planning”. Whether it’s business taxes or personal taxes you’re interested in, there’s a section that includes relevant information from across a range of Nolo titles, all available to view in full-text PDF format.
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| Jean Kortum Papers
Those interested in San Francisco politics regarding development and historic preservation should know about a newly processed archival collection at the San Francisco Center, the Jean Kortum Papers. The collection documents Jean Kortum’s activism around issues relating to the natural environment and the built environment in Northern California, but especially in San Francisco. The collection is rich with her correspondence, notes and newspaper clippings regarding politicians and political campaigns in San Francisco.
With her husband Karl Kortum and his brother, Bill Kortum, she helped defeat a Pacific Gas & Electric Co. proposal to build a nuclear power plant at Bodega Head in 1963. Additionally, documentation includes the grass-roots resistance to the construction of a Golden Gate Freeway, beginning in 1957 and intensifying after 1964. Kortum briefed Assemblyman Art Agnos on environmental issues and was Willie Brown’s conservation chairman in his first Assembly session. In 1966, Governor Pat Brown asked her to serve on his Conservation committee. Kortum was a founding member and Board member of the 1970s San Francisco Tomorrow, San Francisco’s first environmental organization, and a member of the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board.
Find out more about this and other gems in our collection and visit the Main Library, San Francisco History Center, on the 6th Floor.
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April 1–June 30 | Main Library, Skylight Gallery, 6th Floor |
Chances are, the subject of mechanization isn’t part of your everyday dinner conversation; yet the machine is behind practically everything we use in daily life: the food we eat; the tools in our home and garage; the appliances on our countertops; the clothes we wear; the furnishings in the home. We spend much of our lives working with and surrounded by machines. These innovations, meant to improve efficiency and productivity, are the genius of centuries of inventors and engineers, some of whom will forever remain among the anonymous heroes of civilization.
Heavy Metal: The Humor of Mechanization, an exhibition showcasing the Schmulowitz Collection of Wit & Humor, looks at the comic nature of mechanization as it takes command of home, factory, business, transportation and communication. In conjunction with the exhibition, the Library’s Art, Music & Recreation Department presents themed film screenings during the month of April. All films are shown at 12 p.m. in the Main Library’s Koret Auditorium:
April 6: Cheaper by the Dozen (1950)
April 13: Modern Times (1936)
April 20: Desk Set (1957)
April 27: Idiocracy (2006)
The Schmulowitz Collection of Wit & Humor was founded by San Francisco attorney, book collector and humanitarian Nat Schmulowitz (1889-1966) on April Fool’s Day, 1947, when he presented 93 jest books to San Francisco Public Library. He faithfully continued to add toward the establishment of what is now considered the world’s largest public collection of wit & humor. As far as we know, there is no evidence that Schmulowitz was mechanically inclined.
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| Author: Line Papin, The Girl Before Her
| Acclaimed French Vietnamese novelist Papin discusses her new book, a coming-of-age tale of dislocation and inherited trauma. Moderated by Dr. Isabelle Pelaud.
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Main Library 100 Larkin St. San Francisco, CA 94102
sfpl.org |
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View the PDF edition of At The Library Newsletter.
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